Photo: Georgi Bidenko for PrahaIN.cz/A new Airbus A220 aircraft in CSA colors has arrived at Prague Airport
The last ČSA flight with the legendary flight code OK took place on the route from Paris to Prague less than a month ago on Saturday, October 26. The end of the fifth oldest airline, which carried passengers around the world for 101 long years, liked by the whole company and the media. The seats on the last flight were sold to the last, and many aviation enthusiasts went to Paris just to be on the last flight.
On the Flightradar24.com app, it was the most watched flight in the world at that time. Farewell to the last passengers who took their place in the airport, on the platform and on the boarding bridge. Many of them did not hide tears of emotions and feelings of regret. For several generations, the ČSA was a symbol of aviation in the national colors.
PrahaIN.cz editors watched the last plane land near the runway at the observation deck in Kněževs, which was completely packed with aviation enthusiasts and dozens of airline employees who was there before. We took pictures of the plane entering the airport, which was warmly received, and the last communication of the captain of the plane with the tower under the call of the CSA.
The end of ČSA as an airline was preceded by a vague press release from May this year: “Czech Airlines (ČSA) will change its business model from October 27, 2024, at the beginning of the winter flight schedule. As part of the ownership arrangement, ČSA will become the managing company with a majority in Smartwings. All of the group’s flight operations will be provided by Smartwings and its subsidiaries in Slovakia, Poland and Hungary. The reason for the change in ČSA’s business model is to make the group’s operations more efficient using the synergistic effects of Czech Airlines and Smartwings with the aim of increasing productivity while maintaining the ČSA and Smartwings brands. As part of increasing efficiency, the two companies will operate all flights under one code (QS) from 27 October 2024, which will not affect the services provided and passengers.
The beginning of the end
The company’s long years of problems began with a series of unsuccessful management moves in 2003 after Jaroslav Tvrdík was appointed chairman of the board. At this time, ČSA bought many more aircraft than made economic sense, and through other unprofessional investments they began to accumulate financial losses, which gradually reached a staggering amount of 3.78 billion crowns.
This was followed by the sale of ČSA assets and the entry of foreign investor Korean Air, which did little to help the airline in consolidating its position and operating profitability.
In the meantime, competition grew significantly, mainly due to the rise of low-cost airlines, and it can be said that ČSA did not give too much support to domestic passengers, who preferred connections cheaper with low cost carriers to travel.
The proverbial final nail in the coffin was the covid pandemic, after which only one aircraft remained in the fleet for a while. Interestingly, in 1965, the peak year of its era, the ČSA fleet had just 75 aircraft.
In previous years, however, CSA management had hoped to strengthen the fleet with new aircraft. Four Airbus A220 aircraft have been ordered. Wishes to buy three sets of larger Airbus A321XLR machines have been seized.
And just the first of the brand new machines with registration OK-EYA landed in Prague on Thursday at 22:33 from Montreal with a short stop in Keflavík, Iceland. About 3 dozen people came to watch the first landing on the ramp in Kněževs.
It is a sad paradox that the plane that was supposed to help CSA start a successful future arrived less than a month after it ended. So the Airbus A220-300, which is made in ČSA colors, has become a new part of the Smartwings fleet and will fly under the QS flight code.
The Airbus A220-300 is a narrow body aircraft manufactured by Bombardier Aerospace. The crew consists of 2 pilots and 3 to 5 stewards. The maximum range is 6,112 km with a cruising speed of 829 kilometers per hour. The aircraft cabin is in a single travel class configuration with a capacity of 149 passengers.
His first flight with clients is scheduled from Prague to Paris early next week.
2024-11-24 09:54:00
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**While the Airbus A220 is a modern aircraft, does its integration into Smartwings truly represent a continuation of CSA’s legacy, or does it signify a distinct break from the past?**
## The End of an Era: An Interview about the Legacy of CSA
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News, where we delve into the stories shaping our world. Today, we’re reflecting on the final flight of CSA, a symbol of Czech aviation for over a century. Joining us are [Guest 1 Name], an aviation historian, and [Guest 2 Name], a former CSA employee. Welcome both of you.
**Section 1: Remembering CSA – A Century of Flight**
* **[Host]:** CSA’s last flight was an emotional event for many. What are your personal reflections on the airline’s legacy and its significance to Czech history and aviation?
* **[Guest 1]:** CSA wasn’t just an airline; it was a symbol of Czech ingenuity and national pride. For generations, it connected the country to the world, fostering cultural exchange and economic growth.
* **[Guest 2]:** From a personal standpoint, working for CSA was an honor. The dedication of the staff and the sense of community within the company were truly inspiring.
* **[Host]:** For our listeners who might not be familiar, could you share a memorable story or anecdote that showcases CSA’s impact on travelers or the Czech Republic as a whole?
**Section 2: The Rise and Fall of an Airline**
* **[Host]:** The article mentions a series of events that contributed to CSA’s decline. [Guest 1], as a historian, could you elaborate on the key factors that led to the airline’s downfall?
* **[Guest 1]:** It’s a complex story, involving a combination of economic challenges, poor management decisions, and the rise of low-cost competition.
* **[Host]:** [Guest 2], having worked within CSA, what are your thoughts on the challenges the airline faced in the modern aviation landscape?
* **[Guest 2]:** Competition was fierce, and CSA struggled to adapt.
* **[Host]:** The pandemic undoubtedly played a role as well. Could you talk about its impact on the airline industry, and CSA specifically?
**Section 3: The New Era – Smartwings and the Airbus A220**
* **[Host]:** The arrival of the Airbus A220 in CSA colors seems bittersweet. What are your thoughts on this aircraft being integrated into the Smartwings fleet?
* **[Guest 1]:** The A220 is a modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. It could potentially bring some benefits to the Czech market.
* **[Host]:** [Guest 2], what are your hopes for the future of air travel in the Czech Republic, given these changes?
* **[Guest 2]:** I hope we can see a revitalized Czech aviation industry that prioritizes both affordability and passenger experience.
**Conclusion**
* **[Host]: **Thank you both for sharing your insights and memories. The story of CSA is a reminder of the ever-changing nature of industries and the importance of adapting to new realities. While the airline’s era has ended, its legacy continues to inspire.
This structure allows for a comprehensive discussion, covering CSA’s history, the factors that led to its demise, and the potential future of air travel in the Czech Republic.
Remember to actively listen to your guests’ responses, ask follow-up questions, and encourage a vibrant and informative conversation.
